Aid for Haiti

“Initial reports indicate widespread damage in Port au Prince, with
continuing aftershocks,” says Tracy Reines, director of international
disaster response for the American Red Cross. “As with most
earthquakes, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water,
temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.”

The American Red Cross has made available all of the relief supplies
from its warehouse in Panama which would provide for basic needs for
approximately 5,000 families. In addition, it is deploying a disaster
management specialist to Haiti, and has additional disaster specialists
on standby if needed.

The American Red Cross has an extensive partnership with the Haitian
Red Cross, which is expected to lead the Red Cross response to the
earthquake.

The American Red Cross has staff on the ground in Haiti who provide
ongoing HIV/AIDS prevention and disaster preparedness programs. At this
time, all American Red Cross staff in Haiti have all been
reported safe.

The Haitian Red Cross was founded in 1932 and is one of the primary
organizations in the country responding to disasters. Although
earthquakes are less common, Haiti is frequently impacted by hurricanes
including those in 2008, and the Haiti Red Cross has developed
experience in disaster response due those disasters.

You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each
year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International
Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term
support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to
help those in need. Donations to the International Response Fund can be
sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013
or made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or
online at www.redcross.org.